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Usage of Social Networking at Workplace Pose Risk

Trend Micro researchers have warned that the popular social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter have scattered all over the workplace which results into extreme security hazards.

According to a study conducted by the IT security firm on corporate end users released on 12th July, 2010, the usage of social networking websites at workplace has increased from 19% in 2008 to 24% in 2010. Around 1600 end users were surveyed in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Japan.

It should be taken into account that the maximum amount of social networking usage on the corporate network happened in the United Kingdom and Germany. These countries have seen a surge of 6% and 10% respectively.

David Perty, Global Director of Education, Trend Micro, states that social networking is a significant tool to establish both professional and personal links. While most of the companies' are concerned over the negative impact of social networking sites on employee output, they forget that many social networking websites are designed on interactive technologies. These technologies enable cyber criminals to steal users' personal or business information and corrupt the professional networks with malicious codes, as reported by eWeek SECURITY WATCH on 12th July, 2010.

A similar survey was conducted by the security firm Sophos in the first half of 2010 where they had supported the McAfees's report on the hazards of increasing usage of social networking at workplaces resulting into more malware and spamming.

Sophos has mentioned in its report that the company CEOs are getting worried day-by-day about their company's security because of the increasing usage of social networking by their employees. More than 500 companies were surveyed by Sophos and found that around 72% thought social networking was a threat to their companies. 60% said that Facebook posed the maximum security threat and after it there was My Space, Twitter and LinkedIn.

If the companies (who allow their employees use these sites) follow the required security solutions and social networking guidelines, they will not face any kind of risk from social networking.

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